Richo fires first silly season shots; leaves FTR
28/11/2001 12:37 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Steven Richards’ unremarkable Ford Tickford Racing campaign has come to an abrupt end today with the announcement he’ll leave the team for the open market at season’s end.
Richards’ request to be released from his 2002 contract was granted by the struggling Glenn Seton-owned operation.
Richards, who joined the team this year after being squeezed out of Gibson Motorsport, wants to pursue other career options.
“It’s very much a drivers’ market in V8 Supercars right now and I’ve made a decision which I believe is the best for my future,” he said.
“Glenn and the entire team are still one of the best combinations in V8 racing. FTR has spared nothing in giving me that chance, providing me with the car that gave Glenn and I a front row start at Bathurst and allowed both of us to lead the 1000km race.
“Right now, my focus is Sandown this weekend and a shot at climbing back inside the top ten in the Shell Series standings.”
Richards’ departure officially heralds the start of the summer silly season, with the 29-year-old now likely to be at the top of many teams’ recruiting lists.
Published reports put Richards in a Perkins Engineering Commodore next season, though he could also find a drive at Briggs Motorsport and Brad Jones’ OzEmail Racing outfit.
Seton thanked his teammate for his professional and committed approach to the racing program.
“He did take a race win for the team in Canberra, and if not for a cut tyre at Bathurst, he and I could have been on the podium at Australia’s premier motor race,” Seton said.
“There’s no doubt he’s one of the best drivers in the Shell Championship Series and I look forward to the challenge of racing against him in 2002.”
Seton’s future is also uncertain, with reports suggesting financial cutbacks could force the team to revert to one car next year.
Seton’s contract with Ford expires at the end of next season.
The team would not comment on next year’s campaign, but say an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
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